Suffolk County Legislator Tom Donnelly, pictured center left, joins from left, seniors Carol Lyden, Ann Krauthamer, Dee Ladato, Marie Doherty and Darla Raymond at the Tanner Park Senior Center 2024 Winter White Party. This year’s Winter White event was attended by senior citizens from throughout the town who enjoyed the good food, games and music – all while dressed in white!
“ The Vacant Space Revival Program qualified us for on-bill credits that really help me manage costs.”
—George Karatzas, James Cress Florist, Smithtown
Unoccupied business spaces are an opportunity to help bring vitality to downtown areas. For George Karatzas, owner of James Cress Florist, staying downtown was a priority, but costs were prohibitive. Then George applied for our Vacant Space Revival Program, which has provided $2,462 in bill credits to help offset his overhead.* And Smithtown continues to have a business that brings warmth and charm to the area. It’s a beautiful thing to see come together—just like George’s floral arrangements.
How can we help support your small business? psegliny.com/businessfirst
*Incentives, grants, and savings will vary with every project.
RAVIOLI W/TOMATO SAUCE (CHEESE OR MEAT) 17.50 / 18.03
RAVIOLI W/MEAT SAUCE 20.50 / 21.12
RAVIOLI W/MEAT BALLS 20.75 / 21.37
RAVIOLI W/SAUSAGE 20.75 / 21.37
RAVIOLI W/MUSHROOM SAUCE 19.50 / 20.09
RAVIOLI PARMIGIANA 20.50 / 21.12
WHOLE WHEAT PENNE PASTA MARINARA 19.25 / 19.83
LASAGNA 20.25 / 20.86
RICOTTA, MEAT SAUCE, MOZZARELLA
LINGUINI W/RED OR WHITE CLAM SAUCE 17.75 / 18.28
CAVATELLI 17.50 / 18.03
MANICOTTI 17.75 / 18.28
SCUNGILLI W/LINGUINI HOT OR REG SAUCE 32.75 / 33.73
BREADED CALAMARI W/LINGUINI 22.75 / 23.43
HOT OR REG SAUCE
GLUTEN FREE PASTA W/TOMATO SAUCE 20.25 / 20.83
PENNE BROCCOLI RABE W/GARLIC & OIL 20.25 / 20.86
BIG TONY’S BRAISED PORK SAUCE 19.75 / 20.34
CALL MR. PUMP
3 New Members Initiated
The Constantino Brumidi Lodge #2211 of Deer Park, Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America (OSDIA), initiated three New Members and welcomed in three Transfers at their January General Membership Meeting.
Jacqueline Belfiore, Lodge
Pictured: Membership Committee Member Carol Nani, New Members John D’Acunti, Heidi Kister and
President Sabrina Savino, Transfers Nancy Martins, Joe Martins and Mark Sarro and Membership Committee Member Janet Dickert.
The Lodge encourages those of Italian American descent to consider membership; contact Lucille at (631) 987-9728 for details.
Why Regular Car Washes Are Important
Taking care of a vehicle involves more than just maintaining the equipment under the hood. There are a number of steps involved in keeping a car or truck in top form, and that includes regular car washes.
Car washes keep a vehicle shiny and clean, which can help it look good while sitting in the driveway or cruising the highway. However, regular car washes are more than cosmetic.
• Protection from the sun: A car that is routinely and properly washed and waxed is less vulnerable to damage from the sun’s ultraviolet rays.
• Extend the life of paint: Dirt and debris can build up on the paint surface and eventually lead to scratches and other damage. Bird droppings and sap can be corrosive. Washing will help remove grime and protect the paint in the process.
• Preserve the vehicle’s value: Drivers who plan to sell or trade in their vehicles in the future should realize that a
well-maintained car can bring in as much as 20 percent more for above-average condition, according to Kelley Blue Book. Maintaining a clean and shiny vehicle can protect its long-term value.
• Remove salt: Drivers who live near the ocean or in areas where roads are salted in the winter to melt snow may have cars with high salt corrosion
rates. Unless it’s washed off frequently, salt can take its toll, leading to damage.
• Improve fuel efficiency: Drivers have felt pain in their wallets at the fuel pump in recent years. Dirty cars may be less aerodynamic and less fuel-efficient as a result. Keeping a car clean may improve its fuel efficiency.
• Maintain the interior:
Car washes are not only about the exterior. Keeping a clean and tidy interior can help improve the air quality inside of the vehicle and prolong the life of upholstery, mats and interior components. Car washes should be a routine part of vehicle maintenance. Professional car washes tend to be more eco-friendly than washing a car at home.
Black History Month has a lengthy history that dates back more than a century. According to History.com, historian Carter G. Woodson and minister Jesse E. Moorland founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH) in September 1915. Promoting the achievements of Black Americans was among the various missions of the ASNLH. One of the ways the ASNLH sought to achieve that mission was through the establishment of Negro History Week in 1926. Organizers chose the second week of February for the event because that week happened to be when Abraham Lincoln (1809) and Frederick Douglass (1818) were born. Lincoln and Douglass played pivotal roles in the abolition of slavery in the United States. After the establishment of Negro History Week in 1926, more and more cities began to celebrate it. History.com notes that by the 1960s Negro History Week had evolved into Black History Month on college campuses, eventually leading to formal recognition of the event by American president Gerald Ford in 1976.
Island
Group, publishers of South Bay’s Neighbor Newspapers, South Bay’s Seasons
Magazine and South Bay’s Digital Marketing, has
serving local communities since 1953. We also print and deliver flyers, menus, postcards, newsletters and more. Our familyowned company proudly services businesses of any size from anywhere with the best customer service possible.
Playing the Residential Real Estate “What If” Game in 2025
By JoAnn Cilla
In business, and especially in real estate, success often comes down to how well you can anticipate and adapt to change. That’s where the What If game comes in. It’s a strategy I often discuss with home buyers and sellers to help them see the positive and negative market scenarios and to create a plan for each one.
For Long Island’s residential real estate market in 2025, the What If game is more relevant than ever. The market is shifting, mortgage rates are unpredictable, and buyers and sellers are adjusting their expectations. For my clients, it’s essential to think ahead and go through the possibilities. Here are four of the most popular questions:
What If Mortgage Rates Drop? We’ve seen mortgage rates fluctuate dramatically
over the past few years. If rates drop significantly in 2025, demand will surge as buyers who were sitting on the sidelines jump in. This could lead to bidding wars, rising home prices, and a big seller’s market.
If you are a seller: Take advantage of the increased demand by pricing your home competitively but strategically. With more buyers in the market, you may receive multiple offers—so work with your agent to negotiate the best terms, not just the highest price. Also, make sure your home is market-ready.
If you are a buyer: Be prepared to move quickly. Get pre-approved for a mortgage and have your finances in order so you can make a strong, competitive offer. Consider being flexible with contingencies to make your offer more attractive
but be mindful of your budget, don’t get caught up in bidding wars that push you beyond your comfort zone.
What If Mortgage Rates Stay High? If rates remain high or increase, affordability will continue to be a challenge. Buyers will be more selective, and homes may sit on the market longer.
What If Inventory Remains Tight? Long Island has seen low inventory for several years, keeping prices elevated. If this trend continues, competition among buyers will remain fierce.
If you are a seller: A low-inventory market gives you an advantage. You can price confidently but should still be mindful of appraisal values. If you’re also buying another home, consider negotiating a lease-back option or extended closing to give yourself time to find your next property.
If you are a buyer: Be proactive and work with an agent who has access to off-market listings. Act fast when you find a home you love and consider writing a compelling offer letter to make your bid stand out.
If you are a seller: Price your home realistically and be open to negotiation. High rates mean fewer buyers. Keeping a well-maintained, move-in-ready home will give you an edge. If you are a buyer: Look for homes where sellers are willing to negotiate. High rates may limit your purchasing power, but you can explore options like adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) or first-time homebuyer programs. You can always refinance later if rates drop.
What If the Market Slows Down? A slowdown could be caused by shifts in the economy, changes in the job market, or other unexpected events.
If you are a seller: Be patient and flexible. In a slower market, buyers have more negotiating power. Pricing correctly from the start is key—overpricing can lead to long days on market and price reductions. Also, marketing matters more than ever—professional photos, virtual tours, and strategic online exposure can make a big difference.
If you are a buyer: A slower market could mean more opportunities! With less competition, you’ll have time to negotiate better terms and possibly secure a lower price. However, if the slowdown is due to economic concerns, make sure you’re financially prepared before making a big investment.
Final Thoughts: Playing the What If game in real estate means preparing for any kind of market conditions and being ready to act immediately when things change. Whether you’re buying or selling, having a solid strategy gives you a competitive advantage!
New York State Parks On Long Island Celebrate Black History Month
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation is pleased to announce Black History Month 2025 at your Long Island State Parks.
The month-long celebration highlights some of America’s notable African Americans and their accomplishments through informative posters and pictures. We invite you to visit us to learn more about
these great Americans and their impact on American history and culture.
Displays throughout the month of February are at these Long Island State Park locations:
Hempstead Lake State Park Environmental Education and Resiliency Center, West Hempstead Open daily 9am - 4pm, for information call 516-7661029
Jones Beach Energy & Nature Center-West End 2, Wantagh
Open daily 9am - 4:30pm, for information call 516809-8222
Jones Beach State Park, Administration Building, Wantagh
Open daily 8:00am –4:30pm, for information call 516-785-1600
LI State Parks Regional Headquarters Lobby, West Babylon
Open Monday through Friday 10am – 4pm, for information call 631-3213510
Planting Fields Arboretum Hoffman Conference Center, Oyster Bay
Open daily 10am – 4pm, for information call 516922-8600
Nissequogue River State Park – Charles & Helen Reichert Administration Building, Kings Park Open daily 8am – 4pm, for more information call 631269-4927
Additional to displays, there will be special programs and workshops being offered through Jones Beach Energy &
Nature Center and the Long Island State Parks Environmental Education Department. Please visit www.jonesbeachenc. org/programs and www. eventbrite.com/o/nys-parkslong-island-environmentaleducation- 33908178297 for information on program dates, times, locations, and how to sign up.
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation
and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 parks, historic sites, recreational trails, golf courses, boat launches and more, and welcomes over 80 million visitors annually. For more information on any of these recreation areas, visit parks.ny.gov, download the free NY State Parks Explorer app or call 518.474.0456.
JOANN CILLA
Recipe Of The Week: Cherry Pie Bars
Tart, red cherries and Valentine’s Day seem to be the perfect pair. Not only do cherries align with a Valentine’s Day color scheme, they even resemble little hearts when hanging from their stems. Celebrating Valentine’s Day involves many different traditions, and enjoying decadent desserts is among them. Purchasing ready-made treats from a local bakery is one way to indulge in a sugary confection, but crafting a recipe at home is another way to show that special someone how much you care. “Cherry Pie Bars” are not exactly a pie, but a pound cake with a cherry pie filling swirl. They can be made for many different occasions, but make for something sweet on Valentine’s Day. Whip up this recipe from “Butter, Flour, Sugar, Joy” (Sourcebooks) by Danielle Kartes.
Yield: One 9-by-13-inch pan
2 cups sugar
1 cup butter, softened
4 eggs
2 cups all-purpose flour
Directions:
1 teaspoon baking powder
1⁄2 teaspoon salt
1 21-ounce can cherry pie filling
Preheat oven to 350 F. Line a 9-by-13-inch pan with parchment paper. In a stand mixer, or with a hand mixer, cream sugar and butter on low. Add the eggs one at a time. Beat until just combined. Add the flour, baking powder and salt. Spread a little over half the cake batter into the pan. Evenly spread the pie filling over the top, and spoon the rest of the cake batter over the pie filling. It’s fine if the cherries show through. Bake 35 minutes or until the top has turned slightly golden. Do not overbake. Allow to cool and slice into squares. Enjoy!
WORDS
• Penne
• Baked Ziti
• Spaghetti
• Rigatoni
• Chicken Marsala
• Stuffed Shells (16 pc)
• Manicotti (8 pc)
• Jumbo Cheese Ravioli (16 pc)
• Chicken Francese
• Eggplant Parmigiana
• Chicken Parmigiana
• Sausage & Peppers
• Chicken with Sundried Tomatoes & Broccoli
• Eggplant Rollatine
• Garden Salad • Caesar Salad
• Vodka
• Tomato & Basil
• Meatballs
• Bolognese
Additional Charge
• USDA Prime Hanger Steak w/Peppers, Onions & Mushrooms
FEBRUARY HAPPENINGS
SAT. FEB. 15th
11:00AM-1:00PM MAPLE SUGARING
Caumsett State Historic Park
Preserve. This interactive program geared for adults will teach you how to make your own maple syrup at home! Not recommended for children. Please call for reservations 631-423- 1770. Registration Required
11:00AM-2:00PM CLOTHING SALE
St. Patrick’s Church, 305 Carll’s Path in Deer Park. In the church hall. Forget the supply chain worries, plenty of women’s, men’s, and children’s clothes, shoes, and accessories at great prices. Rain or shine. Hot beverages will be served. For more information, please call 631-242-7530
8:00PM
DEVERNE WILLIAMS’ VINTAGESOUL
Bayway Arts Center in East Islip. Electrifying Disco and Motown performances. Secure your tickets now at baywayartscenter.com or call 631-581-2700.
SUN. FEB. 16th
1:00PM WINTER CONCERT SERIES
Sunday afternoon at the Upper Carriage House at Bayard Cutting Arboretum in Great River. Queensound Linda Teixeira (Soprano), Helena Kim (Piano) For more information, please call the Islip Arts Council at 631-8883525. For information on the day
HOLIDAYS
2nd - Groundhog Day
14th - Valentine's Day 17th - Presidents' Day
MAKE A SUBMISSION!
Events must be submitted at least two weeks prior to the event date and will run free of charge on a space available basis. For more info, call 631.226.2636 x275 or send events to editorial@longislandmediagroup.com
of the concert, please call Bayard Cutting Arboretum at 631-5811002.
3:00PM-7:00PM ANNUAL OUTREACH DANCE SPONSORED BY THE LADIES ANCIENT ORDER OF HIBERNIANS
Join them for their Annual Fundraiser at Division 2 Hall in Babylon. $40 pp includes beer, wine, soda, buffet dinner, dessert, Irish coffee Bar. Bring a bag of non-perishable food for inclusion in a Special Raffle! Reservations are a MUST call or text Mary Gibbons 631-671-6178
FRI. FEB. 21st
6:3-PM TRIVIA NIGHT
N. Babylon Lions Club Trivia Night at North Babylon A. Tatti Youth Center, 213 Phelphs Lane in N. Babylon. $35pp includes Prizes, pizza, salad. Raffles and 50/50. RSVP by 2/10 to Diane @ 6315530217 or Judy @ 631-7453007
SAT. FEB. 22nd
10:00AM-11:00AM
WILDLIFE WONDERS: FUN WITH FEATHERS
Sweetbriar’s experienced educators help open up the wonders of the natural world for children, through hands-on activities, live animals, crafts, and much more. Sweetbriar Nature Center - ECSS, 62 Eckernkamp Drive in Smithtown. For more information, please call 631-979-6344
Spring Is Just Around The Corner And It’s The Perfect Time To Start Planning Your Next Move
“Michelle was amazing. Very responsive. Great experience from start to finish! Michelle explained the process, answered all our questions, coordinated quickly and efficiently the whole process between all parties involved. We recommend Michelle to all our friends on Long Island”.
SUN. FEB. 23rd
1:00-4:00pm
AN AFTERNOON WITH ELVIS Long Island Society of Italian Americans, (LISIA) is having an Afternoon With Elvism at The Malverne American Legion, 240 Franklin Ave, Post 44. $30.00 pp, includes admission, show, coffee and cake and a cash bar. Bring your own snacks, max 10 to a table. Call Diane Langella @ 516-777-0607 for reservations.
TUES. FEB. 25th
1:00PM
CARNEVALE CELEBRATION
The Italian Cultural Society of Farmingdale cordially invites you to join them at their February Carnevale celebration. Entertainment and light refreshments. Costumes and/ or masks are encouraged for all attendees. Come join the fun! Allen Park Meeting Room, Motor Avenue in Farmingdale. For more information, please contact ICSF Co-President Aggie Vitale agvit@aol. com
6:30PM
BABY SHOWER
The Kiwanis Club of Copiague is having a Baby Shower and will be collecting new clothing, diapers, blankets and many other items a baby needs. Items will be donated to Madonna Heights. Please drop off donations at Red Lobster 801 Sunrise Hwy in Copiague on Tuesday, Feb. 25th. For more information, please contact Lori Prisco 631-495-8755, or Christine Madrazo 631-559-1079
-Zillow Review From Previous Seller
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation is pleased to announce the following dashboard permits are available for purchase now through March 31, 2025, for the upcoming 2025 season: Fishing 4-Wheel Drive Access Permit, Surfing 4-Wheel Drive Access Permit, Stargazing, Night/ Sport Fishing, Camp Hero Fishing, Nighttime Photography, and Regional SCUBA-Diving. Permits can only be purchased online, there will be no in-person sales. All permits will be mailed to the applicant once processed.
Purchase online through New York State Parks Reserve America: visit the New York State Parks Reserve America website. A valid email, and credit card is required for payment. Orders will be processed in the order received and permit(s) will be mailed to the applicant once processed. Please allow 10 – 14 business days for your permit(s) to arrive in the mail.
Details on each permit is as follows:
FISHING 4-WHEEL DRIVE ACCESS PERMIT
– available for purchase now through March 31, and the Tuesday after Labor Day through December 31, 2025.
Fee: $80.00 in state, $125.00-Out of State Requirements: Valid vehicle registration, driver’s license, and valid NYS DEC Recreational Saltwater/ Marine Fishing ID #
Permit is ONLY valid for FISHING at:
• Hither Hills (Year-round)
• Montauk Point (Yearround)
• Napeague (Year-round)
• Robert Moses (Democrat Point, Gilgo and Sore Thumb) - April 1December 31, hours vary This permit also allows the permissions of the NIGHT/SPORT FISHING PERMIT
SURFING/WINDSURFING
4-WHEEL DRIVE ACCESS
PERMIT - available for purchase now through March 31, and the Tuesday after Labor Day through December 31, 2025.
Fee: $80.00 in state, $125.00-Out of State Requirements: Valid vehicle registration and driver’s license. Must be 18 years of age or older to purchase.
Permit is ONLY valid for
Long Island State Park Dashboard Permits For 2025 Season
DAYTIME SURFING and WINDSURFING at:
• Hither Hills and Napeague (Year-round)
• Montauk Point – January 1 – March 31 only
• Robert Moses (Democrat Point and Gilgo) – January 1 - December 31, hours vary & Fields 3 & 4 from September 15-December 31
STARGAZING PERMITavailable for purchase now through March 31, and the Tuesday after Labor Day through December 31, 2025.
Fee: $35.00 in state, $60.00Out of State Requirements: Valid vehicle registration and driver’s license Permit allows after sunset parking for STARGAZING ONLY, valid January 1 - December 31 at:
• Hither Hills - Except July & August
• Jones Beach - West End 2 and Field 6
• Montauk Point – Upper Parking Lot
• Robert Moses - Field 2
• Sunken Meadow - Field 1 & Field 3
• Wildwood – Main Parking Lot
NIGHT/SPORT FISHING
PERMIT – available for purchase now through March 31, and the Tuesday after Labor Day through December 31, 2025. Fee: $35.00 in state, $60.00Out of State Requirements: Valid vehicle registration,
driver’s license, NYS DEC Recreational Saltwater/ Marine Fishing ID # Permit is valid ONLY for FISHING after sunset from April 1-December 31, except where noted:
• Captree - Main field, Overlook, Launch Parking Field (September 15 to December 31 only) and Captree Drawbridge (north side only – 24 hr. access)
• Hallock - Main Field, Main Beach, Sunset to 7am access
• Hither Hills - Except Friday before Memorial Day through Labor Day
• Jones Beach - Fields 6, 10, West End 2, West End Boat Basin, West End Dock Area (24 hr. access) & Green Island (24 hr. access)
• Montauk Point - Lower Parking Lot ONLY
• Orient Beach – Main Field
• Robert Moses - Field 2 April 1 to December 31 (24 hr. access), Field 3 September 15 to December 31 (24 hr. access), Field 4 April 1 to June 23 (7pm-7am) and September 15 to December 31 (24 hr. access)
• Sunken Meadow - Field 1 and Field 3 (24 hr. access)
• Wildwood – Main Field
CAMP HERO FISHING PERMIT - available for purchase now through
March 31, and the Tuesday after Labor Day through December 31, 2025. Fee: $40.00 in state, $75.00-Out of State. Requirements: Valid vehicle registration, driver’s license, NYS DEC Recreational Saltwater/ Marine Fishing ID #. Permit is ONLY valid for FISHING after sunset at:
• Camp Hero State Park, April 1 - December 31
NIGHTTIME PHOTOGRAPHY PERMITavailable for purchase now through March 31, and the Tuesday after Labor Day through December 31, 2025.
Fees: $35.00 in state, $60.00-Out of State Requirements: Vehicle Registration and Driver’s License. Permit allows after sunset parking for the purpose of NIGHTTIME
PHOTOGRAPHY ONLY, valid January 1 - December 31 at:
• Hither Hills - Except July & August
• Jones Beach - West End 2 and Field 6
• Montauk Point – Upper Parking Lot
• Robert Moses - Field 2
• Sunken Meadow - Field 1 & Field 3
• Wildwood – Main Parking Lot
REGIONAL SCUBADIVING PERMIT - Sold
year-round. Permit is valid April 1 to December 31, 2025, hours vary. Fee: $80.00 in state, $125.00Out of State. Requirements: Vehicle Registration and Divers Certification card. Valid for SCUBA-DIVING only:
• Caumsett – Fisherman’s parking lot only – 24 hr. access
• Jones Beach - East End of Field 10 only, 24 hr. access
• Orient Beach – 8am to sunset
• Robert Moses – *Democrat Point (four-wheel drive needed to access this area; hours vary) For more detailed information on Dashboard Permits, please review our Long Island Permit Guide. The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 parks, historic sites, recreational trails, golf courses, boat launches and more, which saw a record 84 million visits in 2023. For more information on any of these recreation areas, visit parks.ny.gov, download the free NY State Parks Explorer app or call 518.474.0456. Join us in celebrating our Centennial throughout 2024, and connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and the OPRHP Blog.
Photos courtesy of NY State Parks
Legislator Donnelly And Office For The Aging Announce
Babylon And Huntington Winter Senior Advocate Schedules
Suffolk Legislator Tom Donnelly (D-Deer Park) is pleased to inform Babylon and Huntington residents about the local Suffolk County Office for the Aging Winter 2025 Senior Advocate Schedule. Senior advocates are County representatives who come out into the community and assist seniors with information gathering, completion of eligibility or recertification applications and referrals to appropriate community agencies.
“It is so important for us to provide our senior
citizens with the assistance and information they need in ways that are most convenient to them. These visits allow our seniors to connect with our County’s senior advocates right in their own communities,” said Legislator Donnelly. “I hope all those interested in the services that the Suffolk County Office for the Aging provides will take advantage of this opportunity.”
This winter, Senior Advocates will be visiting the following locations in the Town of Babylon: • Deer Park Library, 44
Lake Avenue, Deer Park: Friday, March 21, 9 – 11 am
• North Amityville Nutrition Center, 48-C Cedar Road, Amityville: Wednesdays, February 19 & March 19, 10 am – 1 pm
• Rainbow Center, 293 Buffalo Avenue, Lindenhurst: Wednesday, March 5, 8:30 – 11:00 am
• Tanner Park Senior Nutrition, 2 Tanner Park, Copiague: Wednesday March 12, 8:30 am – 1 pm
• Spangle Drive Center, 4385 Spangle Drive, North Babylon: Tuesdays,
February 25 & March 25, 12 – 3:30 pm
• West Babylon Library, 211 Route 109, West Babylon: Thursday March 27, 10 am – 12 pm
• Wyandanch Senior Nutrition, 28 Wyandanch Avenue, Wyandanch: Wednesdays, February 19 & March 12, 10 am – 1 pm
In Huntington, they will be visiting the following:
• Huntington Senior Nutrition Center, 423 Park Avenue, Huntington: Wednesdays, February 19 & March 19, 8:30 am –1:30 pm
Benefits Of Volunteering
Volunteering is a great way for individuals to strengthen their communities, but it also can be a unique way for individuals to improve their own overall happiness. A 2020 study published in the Journal of Happiness
Studies examined 70,000 participants, each of whom received surveys that asked questions regarding their volunteering habits and mental health.The study found that, when compared to those who did
not volunteer, people who had volunteered in the previous 12 months were more satisfied with their lives and gave their overall health higher ratings.
• Paumanack Village 5 & 6, 100 Adriatic Drive, Melville: Thursdays, February 27 & March 27, 8:30 am – 12 pm; residents only Advocates assist with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP – formerly known as food stamps), Medicare Savings Program and Heating Emergency Assistance Program (HEAP) applications. They also can provide information on Medicare, answer questions and make recommendations
and referrals. For more information about available services or directions to any of these locations, please call the Suffolk County Office for the Aging at (631) 853-8200.
“For more than three decades, the Suffolk County Office for the Aging has been providing full and troublefree access to critical services,” Donnelly said. “I am glad to see their great professional community outreach program continue and hope that every senior resident will make full use of it.”
The frequency of giving back to one’s community also may affect just how much volunteering affects mental health.
Study participants who volunteered at least once per month rated their mental health even higher than those who volunteered but did so infrequently.
Classifieds
THINKING
Deer Park High Schoolers Explore French Cuisine
Two groups of freshman and sophomore French students at Deer Park High School recently explored French cuisine and savored some tasty delights together at What’s Cooking? in Oyster Bay. What’s Cooking? provides workshops and classes in which students learn not only technical skills but how cooking and baking can enhance their lives in different ways. Accompanied by teacher Susan Bollag, the Deer Park students created their own quiches and made yummy éclairs.
together at What’s Cooking? in
Freshman and sophomore French students at Deer Park High School recently explored French cuisine and savored some tasty delights
Oyster Bay. Photos courtesy of Deer Park School District
